President Signs Agriculture Appropriations Bill
Statement by the President

Today I have signed into law H.R. 2330, the "Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2002."

I appreciate the bipartisan effort that has gone into producing
this Act. The Act abides by the agreed upon aggregate
funding level for Fiscal Year 2002 of $686 billion. It
provides for several important programs with significant national
benefits by:

fully funding the current participation rate for the key
nutrition program for women, infants, and children;

redirecting USDA research to provide new emphasis in key areas
such as biotechnology, the development of new agricultural
products, and improved protection against emerging exotic plant
and animal diseases, as well as crop and animal pests.

A number of provisions contained in the bill purport to restrict
executive branch execution of programs that are funded in the
bill. Where such provisions contradict the Supreme Court
ruling in INS v. Chadha, their intent will be interpreted as advisory
only.

I appreciate that the Congress has worked expeditiously during this
difficult and trying time in our Nation's history to consider the FY
2002 appropriations bills. Through a renewed sense of
bipartisanship, the Congress and my Administration must work together
to ensure the timely enactment of the remaining bills.